The Protocol for the Negotiation of Agreements for Exploration and Mining for New South Wales ("the Protocol") was signed by representatives of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council and the New South Wales Minerals Council Ltd on 26 June 2001. It is an understanding between the parties "as to the conduct of negotiations with a view to establishing mechanisms for the resolution of exploration and mining leases."

The Protocol relates to exploration access agreements under s 26A of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) ("the NTA"), negotiation protocols for exploration and mining projects under s 29 of the NTA, exploration and mining-related Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs), and the compensation arrangements and mediation principles that are part of these matters (see Section B of the Protocol).

The parties to the Protocol agree "to use their best endeavours and to give priority to the negotiation of a draft standardised access agreement relating to exploration under section 26A NTA" (see Section D(1) of the Protocol).

Outcomes:

In accordance with the priority issue in Section D(1) of the Protocol, the parties developed a Model Low Impact Exploration Access Agreement (see link below).